05/01/2026
Navy College Team Connects Historic Legacy with Future Readiness Aboard USS Constitution
CHARLESTOWN NAVY YARD, Boston (April 7, 2026) — The Navy College Program team visited USS Constitution April 7 to conduct an education fair and training summit, connecting the Navy’s historic legacy with modern-day readiness by equipping Sailors with critical academic resources.
Led by Bill Rodgers, the team engaged the active-duty crew with information on voluntary education opportunities, including programs offered through United States Naval Community College and eight partner academic institutions. The visit emphasized intellectual readiness as a key component of warfighting effectiveness, ensuring Sailors have access to flexible pathways for higher education while meeting operational demands.
Commissioned in 1797, Constitution—known as “Old Ironsides”—is the world’s oldest commissioned warship still afloat and remains a symbol of Navy heritage. Famous for her undefeated record of 33–0 and her role during the War of 1812, the ship continues to serve as an active-duty command and public attraction at the Charlestown Navy Yard. Ongoing preservation efforts, including maintenance of her historic masts and yardarms, support long-term readiness ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
The April 7 engagement brought education directly to the deckplates, where Sailors balanced ceremonial duties with professional development opportunities. Representatives from participating institutions provided guidance on degree programs, enrollment processes, and academic planning tailored to the unique demands of sea duty.
Lt. Lillian L. Tseng, the ship’s educational services officer, coordinated the visit, reinforcing command emphasis on lifelong learning and career development. In addition to the education fair, the Navy College team conducted command-approver training to ensure leaders can efficiently process tuition assistance and education requests.
The team also delivered a command-level briefing attended by the ship’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Crystal L. Schaefer, and members of the leadership team. The briefing highlighted the role of education in strengthening readiness, retention and long-term success for Sailors across the fleet.
Serving aboard Constitution requires precision, discipline and a deep respect for naval tradition. By bringing education resources directly to one of the Navy’s most historic platforms, the Navy College Program reinforced its commitment to ensuring Sailors who preserve the service’s legacy are equally prepared to build their own futures through accessible, high-quality education.
Sailors may fund their education through the Navy’s Tuition Assistance and Navy College Program for Afloat College Education (NCPACE), which together provide access to more than 2,400 partner schools at over 9,600 locations worldwide. These programs are designed to support Sailors across a wide range of operational environments, including those with limited connectivity or demanding schedules.
For additional information or counseling, Sailors can contact the Navy College Virtual Education Center at 833-330-MNCC (6622). Select Option 4, “Education & Training,” then Option 1, “Navy College Tuition Assistance (TA) & Counseling.” Support is available Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST, excluding federal holidays.
Sailors can also explore education opportunities, program eligibility and application guidance by visiting the Navy College Program website at https://www.navycollege.navy.mil.
